Module 2
Foundation of Police Ethics
Learning Outcomes: At the end of the lesson, students are expected to:
● Elucidate the Cannons of Police Ethics and the Professional Police Principle
● Recite the law enforcement code of ethics
● appraise the moral/ethical weaknesses of the PNP causing incompetence
and propose a solution for the problem.
Teaching-Learning Activity/Lesson Proper
INTRODUCTION
Professional conduct and ethical standards and a high degree of honesty are more
essential for officers and members of Philippine National Police (PNP) than for any member of
the society. This is so, because they are entrusted with the enforcement of the rules,
regulations and ordinances created by City/Municipality and the laws of the land created by
the Congress that guide the conduct of society. A policemen’s violation or infraction thereof, or
his failure to enforce it, dishonor the law and the authority he represents
DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. Police Ethics- It is the practical science that treats the principle of human morality and
duty as applied to law enforcement.
2. Moonlighting- An act of a member of the PNP pursuing or following any calling or
occupation, or the act of engaging in any business, which includes but not limited to all
activities, jobs, work, and similar functions, performed, engaged in or undertaking by him,
in or off duty hours with or without compensation, which is inconsistent or incompatible
with the PNP duties or functions. Such as a bouncer, security guard, driver, bodyguard,
confidential agent, watchman and any other occupations of similar nature, in any
enterprise or establishment, public or private, which will prejudice the interest of law
enforcement and public safety.
3. Ethical standard – it refers to the set of conducts and behavior governing a group, a class
or organization.
4. Police customs and social decorum – a set of norms and standards practiced by members
during social and other functions.
5. Nonfeasance/Neglect of Duty- It is the omission of some act, which ought to be
performed. It is the omission or refusal without sufficient excuse, to perform an act or
duty, which as a peace officer’s legal obligation to perform.
6. Misfeasance/Irregularities in the Performance of Duty- It is the improper performance of
some act which might lawfully be done.
7. Malfeasance- It is the performance of some act which ought not to be done. It is the
doing either through ignorance, inattention or malice, of that which the officer had no
legal right to do at all, as when he acts without any authority whatsoever, or exceeds,
ignores, or abuses his powers.
8. Incompetency- It is the manifest lack of adequate ability and fitness for the satisfactory
performance of police duties. This has reference to any physical and intellectual quality,
the lack of which substantially incapacitates one to perform the duties of peace officers.
9. Oppression- Imports an act of cruelty, severity, unlawful execution, or excessive use of
authority.
10. Dishonesty- It is the concealment or distortion of truth in a manner of a fact relevant to
one’s office or connected with the performance of his duties.
11. Disloyalty to the Government- Consist of abandonment or renunciation of one’s loyalty to
the Government of the Philippines, or advocating the overthrow of the government.
12. Public official- Includes elective and appointive officials and employees, permanent or
temporary, whether in the career or non-career service, including military and police
personnel, whether or not they receive compensation or not, regardless of amount.
13. Public Officer or Employee- It means any person holding any public office or
employment by virtue of an appointment, election or contract, and any person holding
any office or employment, by appointment or contract in any state-owned or
controlled corporation.
14. Gift- It refers to the thing or right disposed gratuitously, or any act of liberality in favor of
another who accepts it, and shall include a simulated sale or ostensibly onerous
disposition thereof. It shall not include an unsolicited gift of nominal or insignificant value
not given in anticipation of, or in exchange for a favor.
ETHICS IN THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP)
The PNP Professional Conduct and Ethical Standard are based from existing laws covering
public servants as embodied in the Constitution, Revised Penal Code, RA 6713 (The code of
Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), and other related statutes.
The ethical conduct and standard of the PNP is further enhanced to fit in their nature of their
creation as embodied in the Constitution which is civilian in nature but military in manner.
FIVE PILLARS TOWARDS AN ETHICAL PNP MEMBER
1. Background of the applicants – this includes the qualification like educational attainment and
morality.
2. Type of training – strengthening the behavior of the selected applicant is believed to be the
objective of the PNP training.
3. Response to training – trainees’ obedience to legal orders is indispensable in undergoing the
training.
4. Determination – trainees’ determination to pursue the required training.
5. Ability to rise when fall – It is but natural to fail but what matter is the ability to rise
especially when put in hot water. Facing the consequences of our action is a sign of maturity.
CANNONS OF POLICE ETHICS
1. Primordial Police Responsibility - The primary objective of police is the prevention of crime.
2. Limitation of Police Authority- As an upholder of the law, policemen must know the
limitation in enforcing the law, thus:
a. He must be aware of the limitations which the people, through law, have placed him.
b. He must recognize the center of the democratic system of government, which gives person
or group of persons, absolute power.
c. He must insure that he does not pervert its true character.
3. Knowledge of the Law and other Responsibility - The policeman shall assiduously apply
himself to the principles of the laws, which he is sworn to apply.
a. He will make certain of his responsibilities in the particular field of enforcement, seeking aid
of his superior in matters technically or in principles not clear to him.
b. He shall make special effort to fully understand his relationship with law enforcement
agencies, particularly on matters of jurisdiction, both geographically and substantively.
4. Use of proper Means to Obtain Proper Ends
a. The policeman shall be mindful of his responsibility to have strict selection of methods in
discharging the duty of his office.
b. Violation of law or public safety and property on the part of the officer are intrinsically
wrong. They are self-defeating if they instill in the public mind.
c. The employment of Illegal methods, no matter how worthy the end, is certain to encourage
disrespect for the law and its officers, If the law is to be honored, it must first be honored by
those who enforce it.
d. it is the proper performance of duty not the nobleness of the objective or mission which
should guide every police officer.
5. Cooperation with Public Officials
a. The policeman shall cooperate fully with other public officials in the performance or
authorized duties, regardless of party affiliation or personal prejudices.
b. He shall be meticulous in law, however, in assuring himself as property, under the law, such
actions shall guard against the use of his office or person whether knowingly or in any improper
or illegal action.
6. Proper Conduct and Behavior
a. The policeman shall be mindful of his special identification by the public as an upholder of
law.
b. The community and the service require that the policeman leads the life of decent and
honorable person, following the career of policeman gives no special pre-requisite.
c. being a law enforcement officer is a noble profession, it follows that every law enforcer must
think, act and speak with decency and appropriately.
7. Conduct towards the Community
a. The policeman shall be mindful of his responsibility to the community
b. He shall deal with individuals of the community in the manner calculated to instill respect for
its law.
c. He shall conduct his official life in a manner that will inspire confidence and trust.
d. He will do neither personal preference nor prejudice but rather a duly appointed officer of
the law discharging his sworn obligation.
8. Conduct in Arresting Law Violator
a. Policeman shall use his powers to arrest in accordance with the law and with due regard to
the rights of the citizen concerned.
b. He shall, at all times, have a clear appreciation of his responsibilities and limitation regarding
the detention of the accused.
c. He shall conduct himself in such a manner as will minimize the possibility of having to use
force.
d. He shall cultivate a dedication to the people and the equitable upholding of the law whether
in the handling of the accused or law-abiding citizen.
9. Firmness in Refusing Gifts or Favors
a. Policeman representing the government bears heavy responsibility of maintaining, in his
conduct, the honor and integrity of all government institution.
b. He shall guard against placing himself in a Position in which the public can reasonably assume
that special consideration is being given.
c. He shall be firm in refusing gifts, favors or gratitude, large or small, which can be public mind,
be interpreted as capable of influencing his judgment in the discharge of his duties.
10. Attitude towards Police Profession
a. Policeman shall regard the best possible of his duties as a public trust and recognize his
responsibilities as a public servant.
b. He shall strive to make the best possible application of science to the selection of the crime
and in the field of human relation.
c. He shall strive for effecting leadership and public influence in matters affecting public safety.
d. He shall appreciate the importance and responsibility of his office, and hold police work to be
an honorable profession rendering valuable service to his community.
e. Through study and experience, a police officer can acquire the high level of knowledge and
competence that is essential for the efficient and effective performance of duty. The
acquisition of knowledge is a never- ending process of personal and professional development
that should be pursued constantly.
11. Impartial Presentation of Evidence
a. Policeman shall be concerned equally in the prosecution of the accused or for the defense of
the innocent
b. He shall ascertain what kind of evidence and shall present such evidence impartially and
without malice.
c. He shall ignore social, political and all other distinction among the person involved,
strengthening the tradition of reliability and integrity of an officer’s word.
PROFESSIONAL POLICE PRINCIPLE
1. Prevention of crime and disorder
2. Cooperation of community
3. Unreasonable force reduce community cooperation
4. Use of Reasonable Force When Persuasion Is Not Sufficient
5. Impartial Enforcement of Laws
6. The Community Are the Police
7. Police Should Not Usurp Judicial Powers
8. Reduction of Crime and Disorder
9. Rule of Enforcement Impartially Observed
10. Police Discretion
LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS
As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard
life and property; to protect the innocent against deception, weak against oppression or
intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder: and to respect the constitutional
rights of all men, liberty, equality and justice.
I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all; maintain courageous calm in
the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint and be constantly mindful of the
welfare of others. Honest in thought and in deed both my personal and official life. I will be
exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and regulations of my organization. Whatever I see or
hear of a confidential in nature or is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever
secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.
I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or
friendship to influence my decision; with no compromise for crime and with relentless
prosecution of criminals. I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or
favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting
gratuities in return.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith and I accept it as a Public
trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of police service. I will never engage in acts of
corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with
all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of Justice.
I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard or professional performance
and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and
competence. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself
before God and my chosen profession…. Law Enforcement.
NOTE:
a. read your notes for the entire explanation of this Code of Ethics
b. MEMORIZE the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and be ready anytime to recite
this in a virtual platform.
TENETS OF DISCIPLINE
All policemen at all levels shall adhere to the eight tenets of discipline, which include
the following:
a. One of the first signs of discipline is the stage of orderliness and cleanliness of
the policeman’s place or work. If a police station is unkept, people cannot
expect the kind of positive responds to their needs.
b. All police actions must be characterized by courtesy and discipline.
c. All objectives of the PNP must always be for the Public interest and not
private interest. The people must feel that they are welcome to approach any
member of the PNP for assistance.
d. All citizens must be treated with dignity and respect
e. All police actions must be in accordance with the law. Respect for human rights
and other laws of the land must be primordial concern in the exercise of Police
duties/
f. Basic police service must be rendered, equitably for all citizens and must not give
in exchange for any favor, reward or condition.
g. Involvement of police personnel in syndicated crime particularly illegal gambling
must not be tolerated.
h. There is no substitute for leadership by example. Police Commanders, as model
of public service, must show proper behavior not only to their subordinates but
also to the people.
Who is a Filipino Policeman?
- A Filipino policeman is a protector and a friend of the people.
- His badge is the symbol of the citizen’s faith and trust, his uniform a mirror
of decorum and integrity.
- His whole human person an oblation of enduring love for homeland, fellowmen
and God.
- A Filipino policeman emulates the valor of Lapu-lapu, serenity of Rizal, the
leadership of Aguinaldo, the courage of Bonifacio, the idealism of Del Pilar, the
wisdom of Mabini and the fortitude of Gomez, Burgos and Zamora.
- A Filipino policeman has oath for his republic to uphold: to defend the
constitution, honor the flag, obey the laws and duly constituted authorities. He has
covenant with his people to comply: to safeguard and protect them even beyond
the call of duty. And he has a legacy for his family to fulfill: to bequeath unto them
the one and only treasure of his life – an unblemished name.
The Policeman and his Badge
Pointedly enough, it is precisely upon grounds of reliability and unreliability, fidelity
or infidelity in the performance of his duties that the badge of a policeman assumes
paramount significance. This is because the badge could either be the symbol of the
citizen’s faith and trust in the policeman or the harbinger of their contempt and
derision for him, all depending upon efficiency or inefficiency in the execution of the
policeman’s task or mission. But whatever it may be, the salient point remains that
the policeman’s badge stands out as the embodiment of his entire personality, both
as a citizen and a public servant, yes, a badge that beckons the policeman to commit
himself to the democratic way of life and, even more, to maintain the principle of
public accountability. Furthermore, the badge flashes incessantly to the mind and
heart of the policeman his inescapable concern, commitment and obligation to
uphold at all times the constitution and be loyal to his country, people and
organization over and above loyalty to any other person or organization.
The Policeman and his Uniform
The gestures and attitudes of internalizing and externalizing could aptly project to
the fore the fierce relevance and significance of the uniform of the policeman. This
is because what a policeman has internalized or ingested in terms of discipline,
conduct, insight and decorum is externalized or unfolded by his uniform on points
of among others, physical appearance, social graces, professional bearing, and
personal comportment. More importantly, the uniform bespeaks not only of the
authority and prerogatives of the peace keeper and law enforcer donning or wearing
such uniform but, equally worthwhile, the intellectual, moral and spiritual cast and
mold of the person inside that uniform. Just as what abounds in the heart is spoken
by the mouth, so what values and virtues are acquired and ingested, or not ingested
and acquired, as the case may be, are bound to have a repercussion or reflection on
his uniform. If a policeman is neglectful or remiss in his interior breeding,
upbringing, and posturing, there surges the imminent and potential likelihood that
such shortcomings would find shape and form in his untidy, sloppy and repulsive
uniform. Indeed, a well-meaning and disciplined member of the force realizes
without being told that the citizenry looks upon and discerns the policeman as
distinctively a man among gentlemen and a gentleman among men, a circumstance
and factor that prompts such citizenry to hail as a gratifying sight when the men and
women in the police service wear their uniform properly wherever they may be.
The Policeman and his Oath
In raising their hand in solemn attestation and affirmation of their oath, our
new breed of peace keepers and law enforcers, imbued and invigorated as they are
with their collateral concern and commitment to socio-economic development
and nation-building, have plunged themselves, in consortium with the other
relevant agencies and instrumentalities of the Republic, into a vast battlefield on
which to wage constructive wars. It is with greater relevance to have to point out
just the same the sacrificial implication of the oath engendering a beatific irony, if
we are to consider the fact that while on one hand the member of the police service
is impliedly exhorted under his oath to love his country and endear his family, on
the other hand, when, in response to the same oath, the supreme cause of his
official duty exacts upon him to offer his very life, he cannot help but leave behind
him forever his endeared family and his beloved country. This is because this
sacrificial human victim is very much a part and parcel of one profession, the police
profession, whose oblation to GOD, country and people finds its august limits only
in death.
To the present-day members of the nation’s police service, the oath of loyalty
to GOD, country and people could also serve as reminder of their comrades who
died in line of duty or otherwise met their untimely demise in the hands of the
enemies of societies, yes, offering their lives so that their countrymen could live in
peace, solace, and security that they have learned to enjoy and cherish.
Assessment!!!!!!
1. Ethics is defined as the “standards of conduct and moral requirements”
necessary to function effectively within an organization or profession. a. In
the law enforcement context, explain what ethics is. (20 points)
2. There are many challenges to Police Ethical Behavior that affect the PNP
organization. An example of this is the involvement of some PNP members in
crimes as perpetrator rather than protector. Based on statistics, most crimes by
police officers were found to have been committed by Patrolman (PO1) – Police
Staff Sergeant (PO3) ranks.
a. From the facts above, identify one glaring reason why some members of the
PNP organization are involved in the commission of crimes. Justify your
answer. (Not more than 50 words). 30 points
b. What solution can you proposed to at least minimize or eradicate the reason
(your answer in letter a) that affects the ethics of the PNP? (Not more than 30
words). 30 points.
